111 children are bereaved of a parent every single day. Add to this those who have lost grandparents and siblings and the number increases hugely.

With timely and appropriate support, information and guidance children can strengthen their resilience and go on to lead full and flourishing lives.

Winston’s Wish charity has a wealth of resources to support bereaved children and young people including a number of very helpful books. Cannock Chase Crematorium is sharing these books with families in Cannock and the surrounding areas. With the help of the members of Cannock Chase Shed who have made a wonderful bookcase to display the books the crematorium has set up a bereavement library in the waiting room for families to borrow books free of charge.

The selection of books in the library is designed for parents and carers looking to help young, bereaved people make sense of what has happened. There are also books for teenagers to read themselves. Local people are invited to visit and browse Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Jo Walker, Crematorium Manager said ‘Trying to support a grieving child when you are grieving yourself can be overwhelming. Experts at Winston’s Wish have over 30 years’ experience of supporting grieving children and families. Their books include practical advice, activities and information on accessing further support, they are a valuable resource to help adults to find the best way to support those children close to them. We wanted to make the books accessible to local people. Anyone is welcome to come and have a look and borrow any of the books.’